"The George has become a massive cornerstone in a thriving, creative community in East London. It has brought people together in a multitude of ways that serves the local community. It is a travesty to think that it will no longer be a hub for social activities and learning. Why should a few benefit when currently an entire community is about to lose its centre? No more flats! Let the George remain as an amazing community centre." - Rebecca Workman, Hackney resident

Thursday 3 March 2011

The George to go to Hackney planning sub-committee

Hackney Council has written to us to advise that the application for planning permission will be considered at the planning sub-committee on Wednesday 9 March 2011.

A report from the planning office is recommending that the application be GRANTED. We intend to have at least one person who submitted an objection to speak against the application.

The meeting will be held in public at Hackney Town Hall and will start at 6.30pm. We urge anyone interested in this to attend. The report and agenda for the meeting can be found on the Hackney Council website planning subcommittee pages.

We will also email everyone who signed the petition with these details. If you have any comments or thoughts on this please email me.

Planning sub-committee meeting details
Venue: Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street, E8 1EA
Date: 9 March 2011
Time: 6.30pm
Agenda and report: http://mginternet.hackney.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=125&MId=1247&Ver=4

Wednesday 26 January 2011

Objection submitted to Hackney Council

Thanks to everyone who signed the petition. It was submitted to Hackney Council today with 1028 signatures and some fantastic comments from you all.

We should find out in the next 10 days what will be happening with the decision and I'll keep you all informed. Thanks again.

Thursday 13 January 2011

Petition extended to 25 January

The council has extended the deadline for comments on The George development to 26 January, so we will be collecting signatures on the petition up to 25 January. Please see our How you can help page for details.

We have also opened constructive discussions with the pub owner/developer in the hope of finding a different solution to the development.

Please keep signing the petition - I think we can make 1000 signatures by 25 January. Also, see the entry below about suspicious comments on the petition.

Thanks for all your help so far!

Wednesday 12 January 2011

Suspicious posts on the George petition

Just wanted to let supporters know that we received several negative comments on the George petition today (comments 906-912 so far).

We've looked into it and it is clear they are coming from one person or a very few people with an axe to grind. We're happy to leave them up - everyone is entitled to their view - but we will provide evidence to Hackney Council that these are not legitimate comments.

Please continue to support us and be assured that all legitimate views will be considered.

Monday 3 January 2011

Save The George

The George pub, 171 Glyn Rd, E5 0JT is the subject of a planning application to turn it into a block of nine private residential flats.

Although it closed as a pub several years ago, it has since been a vibrant site for privately run music nights and performances, community celebrations and even a wedding. It has also played host to local and international artists and musicians.

We're a community of neighbours and supporters who want to retain this Victorian pub as a resource for the community. We're calling on Hackney Council to refuse planning permission for a residential development.

Sign our petition
and read about it in the Hackney Citizen.